any users of ECTED?

[grtexplorer]

For the folks out there that have, or have knowledge about, the Auburn ECTED e-locker - how do you like it? If you could do the install over, would you still use the ECTED or go with something else?

I've been looking at the Detroit Electrac and the ECTED and would appreciate any info. anyone could provide. I did a search of all the forums but didn't come up with much. Also, let me know if I'm asking this in the wrong forum area.

Many thanks in advance -

 

[jrgaylor]

nightkrawler on the brocoii.org forum has one in his bronco2 you can try to contact him there

 

[dreamr]

Personally I chose the Eaton E-Locker. However second in my list was the Ected.

The Auburn unit is an interesting design as it really has no moving parts. It operates as a limited slip in the off position, when the switch is engaged the clutches tighten up to provide full lock.

With the Eaton it has an electromagnet that turn a ball ramp machanism making the pins engage. There are moving parts that could fail, however the design allows for an automatic fail safe returning you to open differentials. Engagement is completely silent and seamless.

Why did I choose Eaton? Well the first point was I didn't like the idea of the locker being held by pressure rather than trully being engaged, and linked together. It seemed like it might have the potential for wearing and eventually slipping. My second point was that I didn't want an L/S in the off position as it provides less stability on slick terrain.

 

[grtexplorer]

Dreamr - many thanks for the info.. That's the kind of stuff I was hoping to get. I don't understand, thouh, about thte L/S having less stability on slick terrain - I thought that's what they're designed for?

 

[dreamr]

I should have explained that a little better I supose.

When on a side hill or off-camber situation, the tire facing downhill typically has the weight of the vehicle on it. If slick and causing spinning this will be the tire that does not spin with open diffs. With a limited slip the tire with more resistance (down-hill) will be the one to spin.

Therefore if you have open diffs the downhill tires will remain stationary, and hold you on the mountain while the other uphill tires spin and work to move you along.

With an L/S diff the down hill tire will spin and your rear end will slide in that direction. JRGaylor illustrated the point well for me when I was deciding. He posted a pic of the side of his trail scarred rig. I believe he said, "This wouldn't have happened with an open dif." My dad said something similar years ago, so I took it to heart. When I need the x-tra traction I activate the locker. If I don't open diffs are sufficient.

 

[jaysend5.0]

Could be nothing but I have heard of a few ECTED's failing around here.
Havent confirmed personally but something to think about. The Eaton has been around longer and is off to a good trac record. I will likely get the Eaton because I prefer open diffs in the snow.

 

[suzunbc]

I am running one in mine. Love it. I have not had any problems.










96ex/3" body/TT/Add a Leafs/35 SSR/4.56 gears/ auburn ECTED

 

[grtexplorer]

Thanks guys, you've given me some good info. to think over. I was reading up some more on the ECTED and in the brochure it says it can be shifted on the fly, but Auburn recommends not locking the diff. at speeds above 10 mph. I can't think of why I would need to switch my diff. lock on at speeds greater than 10 mph - can anyone else?

Also, I checked with Auburn customer service about their D-Rex (exchange) program. If someone is hard enough on the limited slip part of the system to wear it out in 4 yrs. or less they could get a comprehensive set of replacement parts kit for $100 - $150. Of course if you're me you'd still incur the cost of having someone else do the labor of the install 'cause I just don't have the knowledge, but it seems like a decent deal.

suzunbc - what do you like about your ECTED? What don't you like - if anything?

dreamr - thanks for the explanation about the locked diff. on slippery slopes - now I get it.

 

[dreamr]

dreamr - thanks for the explanation about the locked diff. on slippery slopes - now I get it.

Not a problem guy, but remember that I was talking about limited slip vs. Open diffs. That had little to do with lockers. It doesn't matter the brand when fully locked. In one of those situations described above by me you are screwed with a full lock, likely screwed with L/S. and maybe you'll get lucky with open diffs. I hate side hills